The original Pocket camera became a darling among budget videographers and filmmakers. Small form factor, option for RAW file capture, built-in LCD screen, and outstanding — dare we call it “filmic”? — image turned the Pocket into a sensational hit for Blackmagic. At only $995 (USD) it was utterly amazing value for the money. That many still use it today is testament to its forward-thinking specs and design.

Here’s hoping that in addition to 4K the engineers have found a way to give the Pocket better battery life and a more legible display in bright light. Yes, isn’t that always the way? More, more, more. Either way, along with Apple’s ProRes RAW announcement, this NAB is turning out to be a solid one for camera and video nerds.

I used the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera on several projects for Stark Insider over the past few years. It’s an interesting camera; sort of like the Pocket, but without the built-in screen. Recording to cheap SD cards and with a beautiful sensor it produced outstanding results — even if ergonomically is was far from something like a GH5 or plan old DSLR camera body.

Many of the scenes at the “Magical Retreat” just north of San Francisco, under majestic redwoods, from our SI short 3 Days in Sonoma were shot with the Micro. I especially like that its Super 16-sized sensor made it a match made in heaven for the famed vintage Angenieux 12-120mm lens. A modern day equivalent might cost around $75,000. In other words: prohibitive. But I picked one up for about $600 on eBay. Though it’s from the 1960s the optics are very pretty to my eyes. And I can crank away thanks to a handle. So I can get — or try to get — De Palma style superzooms. And that’s what I tried to do for a few of the scripted bits in 3 Days in Sonoma.

3 Days in Sonoma

9 cameras + 5 years of footage = 3 Days in Sonoma, a sprawling wine country epic with Loni Stark

All that to say, it will be very interesting to see what Blackmagic does with the Pocket 4K. The original Pocket was already a legend amongst the filmmaking community and bloggers, so here’s hoping the company shakes up the industry once again!